My choice for the winner is the woman who debuted here last year for fifth in 2.23.27, Sayaka Sato. Being in a group of three leaders at 25k that day in 1.23.30 gives her a share of the NR for that distance. I believe Sato should set her sights this year of a battle for bronze in her home Olympics on the track over 10000m after this event. Sato was third in her National Champs last December with a PB of 31.30.19. Now that wouldn't have beaten Cranny or Schweizer today in California but is quicker than either had run before today. The top two are untouchable in an Olympic 10000 final, IMO, but I think this girl and Melat Kejeta can challenge Obiri and Wanjiru for 3rd. Funny thing is that Wanjiru is running as a pacer here in this event. Sayaka gets to run alongside or behind her for maybe 30k here. I imagine it will teach her a lot.